Comment on: Re: What forces have shaped humanity most?

Bigthink — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 01:42:45 +0100

While I can understand how a more 'global' moral or political outlook might lead one to feel detached, to feel ethically and socially disengaged, no longer situated in a tangible set of moral and political projects that carry any personal stamp.

What I do not see as following -- as any kind of response -- is anything like the tribalism (nationalism, religious separatism, etc.) suggested by Mr. Sandel. In fact, traditionally, I think hyper-nationalism is associated with a greater suppression of individuality and personal expression (surely that does not enhance one's sense of being "grounded" in the relevant sense).

Patriotic or religious revival MIGHT bring relief from the loneliness of modern, urban anonymity (by encouraging a heightened sense of social connectedness). But this does not in any way offer a return to the kind of personal, individual, influence described as available to the citizens of Ancient Athens.

I just think Prof. Sandel has, in some way, confused on the one hand that powerful human desire to belong to something bigger, something beyond one's self (e.g. the attractiveness of nationalism) with, on the other hand, the individual need to assert oneself, personally and directly, in the governing social, moral and political projects of our lives (i.e. the need to feel situated, grounded, as an individual).

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Comment on: Re: What forces have shaped humanity most?